Obese: Yes. Type 2: No. Why?

Obesity is a well-known risk factor for type 2 diabetes, yet many obese people don’t have diabetes. The reason has stumped scientists, but a study says inflammation may play a role. Researchers assessed the metabolic health of more than 2,000 men and women by analyzing such data as fasting glucose levels, cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index, and triglycerides. They compared participants’ health with signs of inflammation based on blood tests. Metabolically healthy people—both normal-weight and obese—had less inflammation in their bodies than those who were obese and metabolically unhealthy, including having type 2. The researchers say the findings suggest that screenings for inflammation may someday help identify which obese people are at greater risk for type 2 diabetes.Source:The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, published online Aug. 26, 2013